Trick or Treat... THANK YOU!!

I've been told you can Trick or Treat the town Square on Halloween for years. Now that I have adorable little goblins of my own, this year when someone mentioned it and the time to go, I was all over that. :) We told our friend Linda about it so she brought her boys too! We were very lucky to get Daddy to come meet us even though it was still work hours. Thank you for doing that, we felt very special getting to spend that time with you. The afternoon was BEAUTIFUL with just a cool enough breeze to have a light sweater or long sleeves. I was really enjoying holding the kids hands so I didn't take all the pictures I wanted of the crowd and the square but Mike did take some of the pictures and it's sweet to see myself in the pictures with my babies since that's not normally documented.

Anyway, let us begin our Trick or Treat tour, shall we? :)

Wait up Cora Grace!

Even though I instructed "The Big Bad Wolf" to hold "Little Red Riding Hood's" hand while they walked, she would have none of it. He's the BIG BAD WOLF for goodness sakes and her mother taught her not to trust such charachters on her way to "Grandmother's house". So I really couldn't blame her for running away from him. ;) Poor Evan didn't want to hold her hand anyway, he wanted to run and catch up with Linda and her 2 anyway! :)

Look at her all walking by herself "carrying" her basket like a future Louis Vuitton or something (that's for you Lo Lo). She doesn't even know we exhist. Look out world! he he he. Ahh :)

One of my favorites Mike took of our group. The 2 superheros had to stop for a photo op by mom then count their loot after doing about 3/4 of an "L" of the "square". We're right around City Cafe here. I mostly love the picture because the atomosphere was so pleasant, it's the best time of year to be hangin' at the square. :)

Here were are: Classic picture of Mormon's trick or treating at a bar (Bluesboro). :) It's ok, they had regular candy like everyone else. :) At each place, I made sure the kids know to say "Thank you" of which Evan would practically YELL, "THANK YOU!" to every stop. It was hilarious cause he would not say it normal. :)

Oh no... and we were having such a good time.

(There are no actual pictures of 'said' tantrum by Evan but ... it was a doosy and therefore... time to go. 'booooo')

Back at the fountain in front of the library, everything is now right with the world for Evan.... an therefore his parents feel all is right with the world again.:)

If we were in California, uncle Jesse would be teaching Evan to 'skate this rail' instead of just jump off it.. :) he he he

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

I know what our kids will being doing tonight. Riding the scary "Daddy Ride". OOOoooooOooooOOOoooo. ;)

All about US: Day 30 - LAST ONE!!

MY FUTURE DREAMS

Lila: I want more babies!! I want at least 1 more but still desire a brood, up to 6 children. I want them all to feel loved and appreciated by both of us. I hope they will embrace the Gospel of Jesus Christ as we have, so they can withstand any challenge that comes their way. I plan to encourage them in achedemics and sports/music etc, to excel in all they attempt so they can be well rounded and self sufficient. I would love a larger home (not too large, I don't like to clean my friends), one where we could entertain large groups and make it just cool enough that my family would feel enticed to come visit some time. I desire to be a better wife to my husband and a better saint to my Father in Heaven. I do believe they go together (if I’m faithful to my Father in Heaven, then I will be more devout to my spouse and our team efforts).

Mike: To own a house on a large amount of acreage so I can shoot whenever I want.

All about US: Day 29

MY SUPPORT SYSTEM

Lila: Prayer, Michael, Mom, kids.

Mike: Lila and kids, My immediate family and my church family.

All about US: Day 28

WHAT'S IN MY PURSE?

Lila: The real question is, "What ISN'T in my purse!? lol... hand sanitizier, change, stray dollars from tips that haven't made it to my wallet. 3-4 lip products, mascara, eyeliner, business cards, hair clips, bobby pins, hair elastics, paper trash, scissors, tape, pens/pencils wallet, tissue, hair bows for cg, on the go toothbrush, candy corn pumpkins, suckers and advil.

Mike: My "man-purse" has my laptop and whatever real estate files I am currently working on.

Wheeeeeeee! Video proof of CG's wild ways.

All about US: Day 27

WORST HABIT

Lila: Not answering my phone? I hate to talk on the phone, unless I’m the one calling and I have to really need to talk to you if you see I’m calling. Lol. On the other hand I do like to communicate via email or text.

Mike: nothing i'm amazing. :)

All about US: Day 26

FAVORITE CLOTHING STORE

Lila: If I liked to shop, which I loathe, I'd choose Banana Republic.

Mike: Most of what I own is either from Van Huessen or Eddie Bauer. I'm not really into clothes so I do not have a "favorite" unless it's somewhere that has "husky" sizes.

Our Day

We had a great day and it had everything to do with our favorite play daters in the USA! :) My friend Liz needed to borrow a bandanna this morning and when she stopped by to pick it up, even though I was putting a toy box together (and watching Green Lantern, I thought it was a good movie actually), I was so happy to see her and even happier to find that she had nothing planned for the day. I convinced her to get her boys out of the car and let them run around the back yard with my kids. It was basically awesome. :) Her little "L" and CG are very similar in size (for now) even though he is older than her. They both have very blond hair and are the sweetest on their own. Something about them together sometimes is not so sweet. lol. I think Liz and I are both surprised every time one or the other pushes or 'hit's' the other. Anyway, if I had my camera, I would have got some so cute buddy shots of them today, including when they worked together in trying to pull their big brothers in the wagon. lol. After naps, we continued on our date with H and L to a playground where Cora Grace showed her true wild woman colors. The girl was a maniac with a slide! I actually enjoyed chasing her everywhere cause I didn't know where she might go next or what she would want to try. Thank you Liz and family for always coming through for us on play dates and friendship, we had so much fun spending our day with you. AND I finished putting Evan's new Toy Box together. Whoo hoo. The day was also productive than :). 

I put the windows down on the way home and it was a funny blind (i was obviously driving so just took blind pics of the kids) shot, especially of Cora Grace as she just giggles and squirms when the windows are down. :) There is video of this I will attempt to add.

Mike went to a Predators Game tonight with his brother so I felt it was a good excuse to have fast food. McDonald's is the only one near our house and a I wasn't willing to go further. Thankfully, my kids don't know what McDonald's is (personal victory) so when I mentioned to Evan, "I want to take you to McDonalds if you're hungry. Are you hungry?" He says back, "Yeah, I want to go to Old McDonalds!" lol and he said it multiple times and every time I wanted to choke I was laughing so hard.

As a reward for their goodness at McD's they got to share a cupcake. Cora Grace kept signing 'more' and 'eat'. Evan begged for more. Didn't happen, instead, they got baths. ;)

The other night....

Monday, Evan was sitting precariously on a big person chair and fell off on his face and shoulder. I was surprised to watch it unfold and then genuinely concerned that he may have really hurt himself before he got up. I was uncharacteristically compassionate towards his plight (normally I'm a 'brush it off' kind of mean mommy) and gave him lots of TLC and only a little lecturing about why that happened in the first place. He was really crying and mildly unconsoled but he had a plan... He said, through tears and sniffles, "I... want... Daddy's ... bed". WHAT?! lol. He's never asked for such a thing so I didn't know what he was talking about. I asked if he wants to go sit in Daddy's bed and watch T.V.? He blubbered yes and here you have the picture of him still devastated. He got to talk to daddy on the phone and it made him much happier and came out of the room with me to make dinner. :) Yay!

{Leonard, I hope this will tide you over while you suffer through our boring month long Q&A. ;) he he he}

All about US: Day 25

MY FRIENDS

Lila: I can't possibly name all my friends but I would like to highlight some significant ones. Instead of names I'd like to describe them and our relationship. My oldest friend, happened to birth me when she was technically 31 (turned 32 the next day). I was her 5th child, 2nd girl. She was a perfect parent because she'd already done all her messing up and experimentation on the older ones. lol. :) Related again, my next two friends are brothers and also happen to me mine. I had the most fights with one and the most fun with both growing up. One came to the rescue when I needed him most, the other showed he needed me at times and I was honored. I feel so lucky to have had such brothers given to me. My next friend I’ll describe, I met in about 4^th grade when her family moved to town. We did a lot together, sleep overs, boy talking, cheer leading, singing along to Tiffany’s “I think we’re alone now” in the car from practice. We had a big fight in Jr. High and I didn’t speak to her for a few years even though I knew she really wanted to be friends and I just was cruel to her for no reason that mattered. She patiently waited for my forgiveness and friendship and won me over towards the end of high school. That is why I’m so devoted to her, because she was so loyal and devoted to me (even though I didn’t deserve it). Next friend is one who married my brother and we shared a love board games and crafting but most touching we shared a desire to be a mommy in an infertile body. She (and my brother ) allowed me to share intimately in their joys and sorrows of those early days that helped shape and encourage my opinions on what a family really is, down the road. I miss her closeness (as I do my whole family) and living in a separate state from family is my only heartache. My next beloved friend is one of instant kinship from the moment I met her. She is not like me but we had each other pretty well figured out within a month after meeting (we basically spent every day together or talked on the phone when we lived closer). She probably knows me as close to as well as my mom does as even my husband… and likes me anyway. I love that I know her instincts as well as my own and that I additionally fit right in with her sister who I rarely see but feel I have known them both forever anytime we are all together. My last friend is new. She is inspiring to me. I can tell she is still learning in life and all that so I’m not trying to put her (or anyone for goodness sakes) on a pedestal but she has grace. She is a spiritual person who knows what God’s plan is for her and recommits herself daily to staying on that path. I would like to be more like her in her in many ways. Maybe when I grow up. J The rest of you friends also touch me in extraordinary ways. Like I said, it isn’t fair to point anyone out but seeing as this is my blog, I felt the need to document those few exceptions.

Mike: 

All about US: Day 24

WHERE YOU LIVE

Lila: I'd like to avoid too many details but I will say I live near Nashville in Tennessee. I love my town because it isn't as big as Nashville yet not so small you know everyone. (though I admit, I wouldn't mind the perks of amenities in the city. ya know?) I was born and raised in beautiful Southern California and really loved it but the moment I met my husband and visited his state, I fell in love with both. I felt more at home here than anywhere  I have yet been and was welcomed with open arms by all Michael’s friends and co-workers who had heard all about me. It was a relief. I did after all leave everything and everyone I knew, 2000 miles away to pursue a crazy thing called love. I love the seasons. Even if it doesn’t snow (usually for a week at most), it get’s good and cold here so you know it’s winter but I don’t have to worry about a snow drift or owning a snow shovel for real work. The fall is amazing if the seasons  before cooperate but still for me, I see the changes regardless. Summer is fine with me, even the humidity although I could do with out it but don’t let it stop me from a good sprinkler day in the back yard with kids. Ahhh, but spring time… the Indigo Girls sing it best when they say, “oh there’s somethin’ ‘bout the south land in the springtime…” I just love watching for the wild dogwoods and red buds to bloom along the Interstate. That will be in my plot in heaven. Constantly blooming dogwoods and red bud trees. :) sigh... Also, about friends. I have some of the most wonderful friends here that aren't mentioned but you better believe they influence me in major ways.

Mike: In the greatest State ever. I am a born and raised Tennessean and am proud to live in a city where people still pull over to the side of the road to show their respect for a funeral procession even though they have no idea who the funeral is for.

All about US: Day 23

YOUTUBE TALK

Lila: I really go on there for kids stuff. here are Evan's and my 'go to's'.... Ladybug Picnic from a sesame street video. My Martian Cutie (Number 9) and thanks to the Godby's... E-I-E-I-O.

Mike:

All about US: Day 22

FAVORITE WEBSITE

Lila: Pintrest! Picnik. Wikipedia. Dictionary.com. Amazon. Yahoo news.

Mike: Google…what else could you ever need? Ok, maybe Youtube. I can waste a lot of time on those two.

All about US: Day 21

RECIPES YOU LOVE

Lila: I was taught my friends when I lived in Utah, how to make

Creamy Chicken Enchiladas

6 drumsticks          10 burrito size flour tortillas

1 container sour cream          8oz mild cheddar cheese shredded

1 can cream of mushroom soup          1 small can mild diced green chili's (we only use 1/2)

Boil Chicken till poked with a fork and there is no blood. Drain and pull/shred chicken from bone. Preheat oven to 350. Mix all ingredients with chicken and scoop large spoonful in center of tortilla. Roll up like a burrito and lay them side by side in greased 9x13 baking dish. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown on top. I was taught and prefer to refrigerate over night and warm one at a time for 1 minute in the microwave. These freeze perfectly and can be warmed up from frozen in about a minute as well. You can also use chicken breast but the thigh is tastier.

*Still yummy with low fat ingredients too!

Many of my family members now make them. My Scotcharoos are heroes to many as well.

6 cups Rice Krispies          1 cup light Karo Syrup

1 cup granulated sugar          1 cup JIFF creamy Peanut Butter*

1/2 bag Butterscotch chips          1 cup Chocolate chips

In medium saucepan, on medium heat, combine Karo syrup and sugar till clear and sugar is melted, then add Peanut butter. Stir till smooth and creamy then add to Krispies, combining well. Spread out on a cookie sheet or for thicker ones, a 9x13 pan. Next, in double broiler, combine chocolate and butterscotch chips till melted. Spread over Krispies and let solidify before cutting to size. *use whatever brands you want but this is my favorite.

I first experienced them on my mission when I was serving in Everett. The Elder’s were teaching a woman named Vivian and she told them to invite the Sister missionaries the next time they came and that’s the delicious treat she made for us. I literally made up the name cause she didn’t have one, only recently to find out, someone else over the years has also named them that. Seriously. I have other things I like to make but some special recipes I didn’t discover myself but none the less love are: crème brulee. I’ll never forget the first time I had it. Ballagio Chicken at Cheesecake Factory, a recent discovery that I don’t know how to make but do know how to order.  :) Mike and I both used to love the fajitas at Don Pablo's till they went out of business :*( We haven't found an equal. I always order Shrimp Alfredo from Olive Garden but will angel hair pasta. Do it! Something else I love is homemade cream sodas, floats or freezes. 

To make an Italian Cream Soda:

Club Soda                  Grenadine flavor of your choice (cherry is my favorite, check tj maxx!)

whipping cream                 whipped cream

You will add grenadine to your taste. Maybe up to 4 tbsp per glass. Next add about 1/4c. whipping cream (be careful, it 'reacts' to the club soda and can bubble over so add slowly). Top with whipped cream and colorful sprinkles for fun. Mmmmm.

Mike: My grandmother’s (Zelma Spangler) banana pudding recipe. There is none better. My Mother’s Christmas cookie recipe. My mother-in-laws potato salad recipe and ANY recipe that involves sausage!

All about US: Day 20

SOMETHING YOU WISH YOU COULD FORGET

Lila: I know it's annoying to hear but I have enough trouble forgetting things that I'd really rather remember everything, good or bad. I have learned too much from challenges in my life to forget them. My brain naturally forgets fine details or whole events anyway. lol

Mike:

All about US: Day 19

TALENTS AND HOBBIES

Lila: I love to see and recreate crafts. I love to give them as gifts because I really like that others appreciate it. I am attracted to homemade anything. It makes me also like baking. I love my career because I can do it with my own hands. I love photography because I am in control of the picture. I also think I have a talent and hobby of loving my children. It is literally what I want to do with my time. I feel connected to the lifestyle of my grandparents and great grandparents time when you were self sufficiant and made do with what you have. I also like simple elegance and decor.

Mike: I play the guitar and have written songs. As far as hobbies, I love watching/attending sporting events as well as shooting  guns at the range.

All about US: Day 18

WEDDING

Lila: It’s been 14 years as of this typing. Our wedding was funny really since I planned it myself on a relatively meager budget, 2000 miles from the event. I was living in Nashville but we were getting married in California, Los Angeles Temple. My dad gave us $5000.00 to spend on everything so we needed to use that to make it all work (pretty generous seeing as he has a million children to pay for weddings). I think it would be fun for my posterity to list what I used that money for and no, I did not use it all. We were very frugal:

  Round trip plane tickets for Mike and I (I flew out one week early to finalize cake and get décor in order)

  Mike’s “custom” wedding ring (since been replaced twice)

  Announcements, Thank you notes and stamps. (that costs a lot of money!)

  A T.V. stand

  An HP Desktop computer! (it cost $1000.00!)

  An Alfred Angelo floor sample wedding dress ($299.00 + tax) – borrowed veil from my friend Jenny McKee (I was told it was made for her, for $450.00!). White heels.

Mike took this picture in his "Grannie's" back yard where I was living. I wanted some shots of me in my dress under the beautiful dogwood trees.

This picture of Mike's tux is just an excuse to blackmail he and his brother Matt in this "awesome" picture of them shaking hands? lol That's what Michael gets for not answering all these questions with me. I hope you've learned your lesson mister!

Mike's Tux rental

Catering by the Sanoja family. yummy (venue was my parents house=FREE)

  My delicious $400.00 cake from The Bread Basket in Camarillo. Mmmm fruit basket filling, I dream about you all the time. If it's still there, I should go for a slice of cake for old times sakes, the next time I'm visiting. The best thing I payed for and the only splurge on something, although I was disappointed with how the cakes 'look' turned out :/. It didn't stop me from eating it.

  Spun glass Los Angeles Temple Cake topper that is now shelf décor. (I’m so practical)

  Flowers by my brother’s friends mom

  Photography by our friend Susie St .John who didn’t want us to pay but we set aside $300.00 for her. When we tried to pay her she refused to take it and insisted on doing it as a gift. She is not a ‘professional’ but she really captured special moments of our day and since she is a family friend, we had a great time with her. We always think of her, especially when we look at our beautiful moments on film. xo

  Décor for reception at my parents house.

The 'decor' I speak of is the fake ivy and burgundy ribbon behind Mike on the fireplace mantle. Fancy, I know. :) Our colors were burgundy and forrest green. It was 1997 ok? See my cute baby niece Amber? Yeah, she's taller than all of us now. lol Also, what's up with my sister Katrina's hair color in this picture? I don't remember it ever being that dark.

  Marriage License

The morning of our wedding, despite my wishes to have my hair expertly quaffed (sp? Lol), I quickly round brushed it and decided that would have to do. Mike and I actually drove the 45 minutes to the Temple together. To people of the persuasion that it’s ‘bad luck’ to see the bride before the wedding… oh well. J (he also was the only one that went dress shopping with me as I had no friends here in TN yet). We had about 50 guests, most are in a picture with us after but a few had to leave early.

In the L.A. Temple, you exit out the back steps where you get like 15 minutes of photography time before the next couple comes out. There were probably 3-4 other couples married at the same time as us (there are multiple ceremony rooms) and waiting for their ‘turn’ to reveal “Mr. and Mrs”. We stepped outside triumphant to a cheering paparazzi crowd. He he he.

The "groomsmen". I just think it's "so" funny that my brother Bennett is pretending that I'm so heavy that he has to writhe in agony as he holds me up. "ha ha ha". :)
Our friend Stephen was serving his mission in the area at the time so he got special permission to be at the wedding.

I should mention I didn’t eat that morning and didn’t sleep much the night before for the excitement. After pictures in the sun for hours on a beautiful day, I was TIRED and not feeling well. On the way home together Mike stopped so I could get a carrot juice. This was his introduction to carrot juice of which he said it was the most disgusting thing he’s ever tasted. J ha ha ha. We went back to my parents for our reception. It was totally boring, like an open house at a funeral home in retrospect. Lol. Mike and I had been in our love bubble for the few months we dated before getting married so I BARELY knew his family that came all the way from Tennessee and were hopefully being entertained somewhere in the house, my church family I grew up with was there with my siblings etc. A few of my friends from High School actually came (that was a pleasant surprise). I enjoyed the visiting for myself but I’m sure it bored everyone else to death. Ha ha ha. Also, I had to force Mike to do a ‘dance’ with me. Throwing my bouquet went well, the boutonniere was hilarious, the guys all stepped away as it approached and my friend Heather’s (future husband) had no choice but to put his hand out to catch it. Otherwise it would have bounced off his hip. Lol. It was like the plague Ha ha ha.

You see what I mean?? So cruel. Poor Darren. Even our older than dirt dog "Puppy" turned his back on it. Look at all the guys laughing at him like "sucker!". He is happily married to my beautiful friend Heather now and our garter had I'm sure nothing to do with it. lmbo.

Why do we do these dumb traditions exactly? Sorry but I guess you could say I’m a cynic. If I could do it all over again I wouldn’t have put Mike through the dance and especially wouldn’t have tossed or had a garter. ;) I did however think throwing bird seed was cute

Later I found bird seed... everywhere. They were REALLY throwing it at us. Dang!

 and I LOVED that our friend Jacqui wrote with soap on our get away car

(she also prepared a picnic basket with food from the reception for later. LIFESAVER). Her husbands twin however scratched with soap “if the car’s a rockin’, don’t come a knockin’”. Thanks.

In my dad's Caddy. I just love this picture. Such youth and innocence. No idea what we are getting ourselves into but willing to take the steps. We are still that way really. And I must say... (still) Happy. I love you babe.

 What our guests don’t know is, my friend Heather worked at a very nice, somewhat exclusive? Inn, Westlake Village Inn and was preparing our room. We weren’t in a hurry to get to it and needed to ‘leave’ so everyone else would. We went to my dads gas station in Moorpark to see my ‘brother’ John Padilla. He was nice enough to work the station for my family members to be able to be at my day. I surprised him by walking in the gas station, in my wedding dress, to come give him a hug. I think that was cute. He was my brother Jesse’s best friend and I was both of their big sister, especially before they could drive and wanted me to take them places. That was fun… We eventually made it to the Inn. Heather was soOOO excited to decorate and prepare my wedding night room. She knew my religious beliefs well, being my bff and all so… she wanted to create a perfect environment for us. It was the sweetest really. She and her helpers even pre-filled the bath tub for us. MUCH needed. By that point I was really not feeling well. We bathed, showered and went to bed. We woke up a couple hours later and took Mikes tux to his Tennessee friends to return for him and then… life began. JMike:

Mike: {I'm he says, "ditto" but hopefully we can get some of his impressions of our day... one day. :)

(i really don't know what's going on with this post. wierd, sorry for all the black lines)

All about US: Day 17

WHAT MAKES YOU INSECURE/PROUD

Lila: Insecure… true to my personality, I had to look up the exact definition to help me form the right answer (a little thing I do sometimes. I have a desire to be accurate) : not confident: anxious and lacking in self-confidence. Hmm. Man, I really try to be positive even in adversity.What's the point of focusing on the negative? I guess I do feel insecure if I get lost (thanks to GPS that’s an old challenge) or am going to a new place I guess? As far as what I’m proud of: that I have an education that is useful and universal. That I’ve managed to keep my husband around and haven’t driven him away yet is an accomplishment I’m proud of. ;) I'm proud of the family I came from and the one I am creating together with my husband. Imperfections and all.

Mike:

All about US: Day 16

 LET'S TALK CRAZY

Lila: I don’t even know what this subject means but I’ve been called ‘crazy’ many times. I take it as an endearment. :) In fact my best friend Amber and her family affectionately refer to me as “Crazy Lila”. They didn’t know what hit them when they met someone like me, hence the nick name.

{Mike, you're off the hook for this question... cause it's dumb. You're welcome}

Birthday Boy

another idea from Pintrest :)

Our little stud muffin. :)

Have you yet read the good news of my featured friend Gretchen? Her family has been blessed by 20 toes and 20 fingers! They still need prayers of support from everyone. To read her story, click on her family blog at the top of my posts. Thank you! We love you Gretchen and family!!

All about US: Day 15

DESCRIBE YOUR DREAM HOME

Lila: Ahh... I am in love with home dreaming. I sketched my own home on graph paper all the time as a child. I also sketched room plans all the time. As an adult I started day dreaming on a digital program. Boring and weird to someone else probably but it was like my 'facebook' and I could spend hours with it. If I could be totally selfish and make whatever I wanted (including a maid and cook to come with it. ;) he he he). I really like a sort of french chateau style home, you know, the ones with a sloped roof line in the front. Stone, plaster, wood and brick facade. I just like the open, yet cozy feeling of it.

I would love a large entertaining space in the living room. Definitely would like a Dining room that can seat at least 10. In the kitchen I'd love an island or 'bar' for family to sit for bfast and socializing and a walk in food pantry. I would love a Master bedroom down stairs with an amazing master bath including: separate sinks, enclosed toilet with urinal for Michael's dreams to come true. I would love a glass enclosed, separate shower from a big enough soaker tub to fit Mike comfortably. MAN would I like a large closet, Please!? One extra bedroom downstairs for ALL my babies to be close. If no babies, I'd like it to be my own craft room (MAYBE I'd let the kids in but I really don't want to have to hide my scissors and markers all the time for goodness sakes! :)). I'd like and office down stairs with glass french doors. I'd like 3 other bedrooms upstairs and one or two bathrooms. I would love a large basement to include, tornado safe room (for me and you mom) game recreation, movie room, mini kitchen, guest room ability and full bath. Back upstairs I'd like a nicely organized with room for ironing, folding and hanging... laundry room that connects to.... a guest house for my parents. Their house would have an entrance to ours for the shared laundry but also have a separate entrance for their visitors, a modest kitchenette that includes a giant pantry for all my dads cereal boxes he seems to collect. lol. They will have a cozy living room with fireplace, an office/library and a master bedroom down stairs. Upstairs they will have 2 guest rooms for visiting grandchildren and kids. Also downstairs will be a step down spa outside for my dad especially. You're welcome dad. :) Also my dad will have a GIANT TV in the living room so we don't all have to hang out in his bedroom but there will be giant one in your bedroom too, don't worry. Your bathroom soaker tub will have a TV in the wall so you do not have a moment lost from Fox News. There will be an IPOD dock to blast Rush Limbaugh anywhere you choose, in and around your house. Mom, you will have a closet just for your office supply obsession AND a patient and computer tech guy at your service at the touch of a button for all your techie question needs. On the grounds will will be a pool and couch entertaining, fire pit area. I also want a splash pad for little kids. :)There will be a 3 car garage with organized storage/work benches. Is that so much to ask? :) he he he he. Did I also mention I'd like a breezeway between house and garage and cobble stone driveway? Oh, cause I would.

Mike: (tba... as usual. smile.)

Happy 3rd Birthday to our little Monster

And we wouldn't want it any other way. :) Evan, at 3 you are very sweet actually. You have become more sensitive to others feelings and  now consider consequences to poor choices. That is a relief to us because you were a very rambuncious 19month old- 2 3/4 year old!! In the last few months you are more calm (not all the way, let's not get carried away) from your regular 2 year old self. You are trying new ways to get our attention. You say funny things, you copy everything Cora says so I'll say it's cute, you ask almost every night at bed time if you can "go 'out there' (living room) and sit on the couch for a minute" cause you just can't stand to miss a thing or better yet be away from your parents! :) he he he. You are more kind to Cora Grace every day and tolerate her adoration of you. You are beautiful and we cannot wait to hear what you do or say next. I love that you want to "count to twenTy" (yes extra pronunciation of the 't') but really you keep going up to 40 but I have to tell you '40', then 50, 60, 70, 80 & 90 and you really understand how to count up all the numbers, all you need is the beginning. We are very impressed with your mind and hope we will encourage you well throughout your life so you can reach your full potential.

favorite color: green... still

you know your eye color and cg's, daddy's and mommy's (and mommies are hazel, that's hard to say or remember for goodness sakes)

you have memorized our birthday's, phone number and address

every morning when you see us, before good morning, you excited question "can i have gummy bears and ovaltine!?" (gummies are vitamins)

your prayers are amazing and daddy loves them cause they are short, to the point and aren't the screen plays mommy sometimes prays about (oops!).

you love 'mommies big blankie' when you are tired, cold, wet or sad

you must sleep with 'little blankie', 'giant blankie', 'spots' (stuffed dog from ikea), 'big kiss' cora's pink hippo from grandma jennie i think and your little night lights.

you tattle on Cora Grace all the time. :/ hmmm... we'll see about that.

you ALWAYS ask to go 'straight' when we are leaving our driveway or you want to go 'left' so we can drive down the culdesac. Once you get your fill of that, it's off to try to persuade me to take you to your friend Hayden's house, down the street... and Logen and Liz and Daddy Hayden. LOL. :) (at least you stopped calling him just "Daddy". lol)

You are so excited to turn 3. Before bed last night I showed you your cupcakes for your class tomorrow and you said, "CUPCAKES. I'm SOOO excited."

you are such a beautiful gift and love our our life. xoxoxo

All About US: Day 14

SOMEWHERE YOU WANT TO TRAVEL

Lila: Let's see. I'd like to go to Sweden to see 'my people'. I'd also love to meet my dad's American ancestry and see where their farms were in Montana and Wisconsin? (sorry dad, i always get mixed up where Al was from). I'd love to go to Hawaii or Alaska (on a cruise especially). It would be great to rent a Winnebago and go around the U.S. I'd like to go to Washington DC (and of course come see you Loretta and Akim) and see all the history. I'd like to go on a caravan road trip to So. California to pick up what ever siblings want to come with, then up to Sacramento to visit with and maybe pick up my bro's family, next to my sister Carlyn's adopted state of Oregon to finally visit her and see more of Oregon. We've been dying to go to Seattle and Western Washington especially, forever so that is sooOOO on the list. Then I'd travel back though Wyoming to say hi to my sister in laws parents (cause they are cool) but next is Yellowstone then Mount Rushmore. Somewhere in there I really want to go to Utah to see my friend and old mission companion Cherilyn amoung all our friends in Utah. I just miss you Cherilyn and want to see you in person! :) xo

 I might be persuaded to go to Greece or Italy. I would love to see the age and history (there's a theme here I'm realizing) and beauty. So you see, I'd basically like to stay in the comfort of my own country but wouldn't turn down and all expense paid trip to Turkey, you know what I'm sayin'? :)

 

Mike: Ireland and Scotland would top the list. After that I would have to say Alaska

"All the better to EAT you with!"

and lastly, let us not forget our model....

:D ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!

First of all, I am so excited that I actually MADE these costumes!! With a sewing machine... and my two hands... and I even LINED CG's cape AND bonnet. Man I'm cool. :) I am so glad I did it and feel a great sense of accomplishment. I will blog even more about it later, including how I made their costumes. (hint: go to Martha Stewart's site) I had the best time doing it and to made it better, the kids really liked their costumes and better yet, were GREAT for me in the photo shoot in the back yard forest. (I only raised my voice once when CG dropped some of her 'apples' on the forest floor than tried to EAT them!! ugg!!! grossssssss). I would like to take this time to thank Frankenstein for stepping up to be my mannequin when I needed him most in the wee hours of my seamstressing. You're my dog, Yo. xoxo :)